I am simply a pilgrim finding my path. I was fortunate to have traveled globally then in 1999 I learned about the Camino's and I was hooked. I walked Camino Francés (2002, 2003, 2007) then Camino's Portugués, Finisterre, and Fin do Camino-Muxia (2008) and the 1,000 kms Via de la Plata (2009). After walking Camino Aragonés (2010) I "gave back to the camino" as a Hospitalera at Jesus Jato's Albergue Ave Fenix in Villafranca del Bierzo, León. My photos: http://web.me.com/lkarner/Part_2/Welcome.html

Thursday, March 12, 2009

Soon I will be along the way again. Each time I have left home with a very heavy backpack. I am trying to be careful this year by keeping my backpack light because I believe the 1,000 kms Via de la Plata is a tough camino. The long walking distances between albergues (up to 38 kms) coupled with the heat of the Extremadura make for a long day. I did not want to walk this way alone and when my friends asked me to join them it was a golden opportunity to walk the Silver Route. Hopefully by starting in early April we could avoid some of the heat problems. If not, it will be pre-dawn starts to walk in the cool of the morning. I am challenging myself by walking a new path.

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I begin my first camino in mid-April. I elected to follow the northern route. I am heading off to Albuquerque tomorrow to attend the gathering of US pilgrims - workshops and a retreat. What better way to kick off my adventure.

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About Me

In 1999 I learned about El Camino de Santiago. I read all that I could on the web and bought the books available at the time (they are still the best books). I felt prepared to walk the camino. On April 28, 2002 at Saint-Jean-Pied-du-Port I stood and looked at the start of Route Napoleon and thought I must be nuts. Then I told myself that one foot after the other will get me to Santiago de Compostela and so off I went. The rest is my camino story .....

In 2009 I dedicated my Via de la Plata (VdlP) pilgrimage to Rolf from Duisburg, Germany. We met in Hontanas on the Camino in 2007. Originally a group of friends planned to walk the VdlP this year but as time passed folks dropped out. Rolf, who wanted to join us, was unable to because of necessary medical treatments. Unbeknown to me as I walked toward Santiago Rolf drove the 2,200 kilometers to SdC as he wanted to greet me when I walked into Praza do Obradorio. However, Rolf arrived one day early and could not wait so walked eastwards along the path. What a surprise it was seeing my friend coming towards me, it was wonderful. We hugged, laughed and cried, we were so happy ... what a special memory.